Sunday, March 30, 2014

Some movies are considered box-office bombs or get mixed reviews or get highly panned by film critics and audiences. And yet these films will find another audience because they become motivational tools in the personal or professional development field. For example, the Steve Jobs bio film “Jobs” was recommended for its themes on leadership, creativity, communications and success by Forbes magazine (see tip#690).

Another film that is finding a new audience is Divergent having been featured in the Psychology Today article called “Divergent: Use the Movie to Create the Best Version of You”. It talks about the value of the film as a tool for learning more about yourself and your character strengths. The article also points to a non-validated but fun Aptitude Test on the Divergent film website you can take. I discovered I was divergent which is a good thing as you will read below!

The science fiction action film, Divergent, takes place in a future dystopian Chicago, where people are divided into five “factions” based on their personalities: Abnegation (selfless), Amity (peaceful), Candor (truthful), Erudite (intelligent) and Dauntless (brave). Beatrice “Tris” Prior (Shailene Woodley) wants to know where she belongs and through a serum test discovers she has attributes of all factors meaning she is divergent and considered a threat to society. See: movie trailer

I originally had no interest in seeing this film because it looked and sounded like a watered down version of The Hunger Games films. I’m glad I trusted my gut to later see it because despite the movie’s flaws I recognized the personal development themes that could really inspire a person to identify their personality strengths and purpose in life. And ultimately being divergent is a good thing because you’d embody the best qualities of being human: selfless, peaceful, truthful, intelligent and brave.

“I don't want to be just one thing. I can't be. I want to be brave and I want to be selfless, intelligent and honest and kind.”
Divergent (2014)

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

I recently gave one of the most enjoyable presentations at a day event called “Resiliency Now! A Capacity Building and Networking Event”. My topic was “Activate Your Indestructible Optimism” and combined it with interactive networking exercises for the audience of Executive Directors, Middle management, Frontline staff and Volunteers. The positive energy in the room was overflowing and I could see the attendees really enjoying themselves!

The key needs of personal resilience and organizational resilience was brought to my attention and I felt this was where I could be of service the most with my talks. Perhaps that’s why I felt so blissful facilitating this presentation because I was able to share the methods and movies that helped build my own resilience during times of depression, burnout, mid-career crisis and bankruptcy. I could really see the silver lining of helping others now from the pain I’d experienced in the past.

“Resilience is no longer a dry and boring topic. With Emmanuel people can relax, have fun and learn something. Time well invested!”
Peter Dudka, Employment Counsellor/Workplace Coordinator

The Pianist (2002)

The historical drama film, The Pianist, is based on the true story of Polish-Jewish pianist and composer Wladyslaw Szpilman (Adrien Brody) and his story of survival during Nazi Germany’s invasion of Poland. The film begins by showing Szpilman’s supportive relationships with family, friends and colleagues and as the horrors of the war unfold you see how these relationships help him stay resilient over many years. See: movie trailer

Amidst the heartbreaking atrocities there are beautiful moments where the music of the piano helps lift people’s spirit and rescues Szpilman when faced directly with the enemy near the end of the war. His passion for music helped save his life as well as the help of caring, loving relationships he cultivated.

Seeing this powerful, Oscar winning film can help inspire your resilience to persevere in your own adversities in career, workplace and life. You can overcome any unexpected change or crisis as long as you learn to build indestructible optimism and surround yourself with supportive relationships that believe in you.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Toronto film critic Richard Crouse has become my latest hero for inspiring resilience. In a recent article, Richard revealed that in mid-2013 a tumor was found during a routine colonoscopy. He experienced shock and anger and then transformed his mindset and attitude to say…

“Screw you, cancer. You’re not making the rules, I am.”

He then wrote, “Optimistic maybe, but I firmly believe that a good attitude is one of the keys to leading a healthy life even in the face of serious medical issues.”. Those statements inspired me because during his surgery and chemo treatments there was no clue of his condition in any of his newspaper reviews, TV appearances or even seeing him host press conferences in September at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. Richard is a great example of personal resilience in life and at work.

The biographical drama film, Amazing Grace, is about the courageous mission of William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) to end the slave trade in the British Empire in the late 1700’s. His journey would include the support of his close friend, William Pitt (Benedict Cumberbatch), wife Barbara Spooner (Romola Garai) and former mentor and author of the Amazing Grace hymn lyrics, John Newton (Albert Finney). With powerful performances, beautiful scenery, lush period costumes and settings, this film is a powerful example of one man’s enduring passion, vision and resilience to help change the world. See: movie trailer

Richard was the one who recommended this film to me as an example of great leadership. After reading his recent article I was compelled to see Amazing Grace again and felt even more inspired knowing Richard had a strong connection with the movie hero. To me, they are both heroes who demonstrated the power of resilience.

Be inspired by movie heroes and real-life heroes that demonstrate resilience in the face of adversities. Let them reflect your own hidden super power of the ability to bounce back from unexpected change and crisis. Resilience is that super power and you have it in you now!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

I still have fantastic adventures with my Dad even though he passed away over 10 years ago. Recently I had one of many vivid dreams where everything is in full colour and I see my Dad. I go and hug him and hold him for a long time actually feeling his warm embrace. I am so lucid that I make our hug last as long as possible. Then he takes me somewhere like a rollercoaster ride or teaches me something on some far off land. I treasure these amazing experiences.

And as I’ve written before (see related tips below) whenever I find a shiny dime on the ground I know it is from my Dad’s spirit letting me know he is with me. He is still here supporting and loving me through the ups and downs of life and it reminds me that our love will always transcend time and space!

Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)

The 3D computer-animated comic science fiction film, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, is based on the characters from the 1960’s animated TV series, The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. Mr. Peabody (Ty Burrell) is a talking dog, extremely smart and has invented a time machine to tutor his adopted human son, Sherman (Max Charles) on adventures throughout history. They travel to ancient Egypt, Renaissance Florence and the Trojan War meeting funny historical figures and learning important life lessons along the way. See: movie trailer

There are many aspects of the film that tapped into my childhood memories like remembering watching the old TV series and seeing the heartfelt love and care Mr. Peabody expresses to his son Sherman. These made me think of my Dad and perhaps he was there laughing and enjoying the film with me.

I believe love does transcend time and space and that movies can trigger happy memories of loved ones that have passed. Watch a movie today that will uplift your spirit and re-ignite happy thoughts of the past!

I am grateful for these reassuring gifts from the universe and yet I felt frustrated that other personal goals in my life and career have not come true as of this moment. That’s where the magic of movies came to save me once again and I was compelled to watch a film that I originally had mixed feelings about. This second time viewing was very therapeutic and cathartic. The film's spiritual messages comforted my aching spirit and I was sobbing by the end credits.

Winter’s Tale (2014)

The romantic fantasy drama film, Winter’s Tale, is about a thief named Peter Lake (Colin Farrell) in 1916 Manhattan who falls in love with Beverly Penn (Jessica Brown Findlay) who is dying of consumption (tuberculosis). The story would span over 100 years and would include a flying horse, angels and demons and the power of eternal love. See: movie trailer

On first viewing this film felt a little off because it was a strange mix of drama, magic and fantasy elements. But on second viewing I was use to this specific cinematic world and that’s when it’s rich, spiritual messages touched my soul deeply. The film spoke directly to my heart reminding me that I am on the right path no matter how different my life feels from my friends, family and other people. I also had a really good cry.

This is one film I am not sure if you will be affected as I was. I highly recommend you see twice as I did. All I know is that my spirit was re-energized the second time by the story of eternal love, guardian angels, and that each of us has a specific purpose in life to follow.

Movies can affect you on deep levels. If you were inspired or moved by Winter’s Tale please let me know.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

As a personal development exercise, I continually rewrite my goals to be more and more focused of what I want in my life and career. And with repetition of reading and saying these goals out loud I increase self-confidence and optimism. The act of writing is a powerful tool for personal growth.

At a presentation I gave recently for CAMP, Communications Advertising and Marketing Professionals I was told by the Chairperson, Murali Murthy, that he brought me in to speak because of his passion for movies. The topic was called “Activate Your Indestructible Optimism” and he was so impressed that he wrote me the most creative thank you filled with movie quotes! It made my day and also demonstrated the power of writing both in uplifting me and in the writer’s motivation to share his enthusiasm and passion.

“Emmanuel, you truly rocked! Thanks for inspiring everyone in a fun, engaging way.”

We sat down thinking, “You talking to me?” And you promised, “I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse.” And we mused, OK, “Here's looking at you, kid”, “Go ahead, make my day.”

You made us believe in ourselves with an engaging, "Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” And by the end, we all were screaming, “I'm king of the world!” Though you concluded with a “Hasta la vista, baby”
We know in our hearts you meant, “I'll be back.”

And all we reciprocate with gratitude, Emmanuel, “May the Force be with you.”
Murali Murthy, Chairperson
CAMP, Communications, Advertising & Marketing Professionals

Stuck in Love (2012)

The romantic drama film, Stuck in Love, is about a fractured family of writers that slowly become a loving family again. Novelist William Borgens (Greg Kinnear) learns to rewrite his life to move forward from his separated wife Erica (Jennifer Connelly). His 19 year old daughter Sam (Lily Collins) just got published and learns to rewrite her negative attitudes towards love. And his 16 year old son Rusty (Nat Wolff) learns to be bolder in life to feed the creativity of his writing career. See: movie trailer

Ironically, for a film about writing, the title has been rewritten three times: Writers (title for film festival release), A Place for Me (for Australia and New Zealand release) and Stuck in Love. This film inspires on many levels that includes learning to let go, second chances, following a passion and transforming a negative mindset into a positive one.

Let these movie characters inspire you to rewrite your life to be more enjoyable and fulfilling. Remember you are always the hero of your own life story!

Sunday, March 09, 2014

I am always inspired when I see moments of fearless, courageous acts in the movies and in real-life. That’s why I loved the playful audacity of Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o’s younger brother Peter who joined in Ellen DeGeneres’s now famous selfie at the 86th Academy Awards. In fact he is so prominent in the group photo that he upstaged Lupita who was in the back!

On The Ellen Show the next day, Lupita laughs about her brother becoming instantly famous around the world. She says “He lives life in an exclamation point and he just saw that opportunity and he was like ‘I’m getting in, this is my only chance!’”

That is an inspiring statement anyone could apply to their own life and career goals. Seize the moment! Peter was just a freshman in college and yet that didn’t stop him from joining a group photo with superstars like Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt and more!

The comedy film, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, is a sequel to Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy about a news team that comes back together for the world’s first 24 news network. Actors Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner and Christina Applegate all return for this hilarious story with many funny cameos in a crazy climatic scene. See: movie trailer

There is an overflowing sense of fun and audacity to the movie since the actors ad-libbed much of the script. In fact the film has been re-released in theatres with 763 new jokes. The playful audacity also extended prior to the film’s initial release when Ferrell’s character Ron Burgundy appeared in Dodge Durango commercials and covered Olympic curling trials in Winnipeg, Canada!

So let a sense of fun and audacity fuel your drive to seize the opportunities that come your way. Be inspired by Peter Nyong’o and live your “life in an exclamation point”!

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

I love Ellen DeGeneres! She instigated two memorable moments at the 86th Academy Awards that was so fun and entertaining that I thought about it for days afterwards. While hosting the show Ellen wanted to do a selfie photo with Meryl Streep in the audience and go for a world record of retweets on Twitter. Suddenly several other Hollywood actors like Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lawrence jumped into the photo. It became a genuine moment where the stars became ordinary people and behaving like kids having fun!

The selfie ended up making a world record of 1.7 million retweets in less than an hour and made social media history. If you want to retweet it here is the link which, as of this writing, has reached over 3.2 million retweets. Click here

The second moment I loved was when Ellen asked the audience if anyone was hungry for pizza and later brought in a real pizza guy from behind the stage. Ellen led him into the audience where they proceeded to give pizza slices out to Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford and others. Again it was so much fun seeing these Hollywood stars just being down-to-earth people and making the Oscars so enjoyable to watch. Plus I was excited and thrilled for the pizza guy, Edgar, who shared his reaction on the Ellen Show the next day. See: Edgar the pizza guy on Ellen Show

Frozen (2013)

The animated musical fantasy-comedy film, Frozen, is about many themes like accepting your uniqueness, healing sibling relationships and what true love means. Anna, princess of Arendelle (Kristen Bell) and sets out to help her older sister Elsa, Queen of Arendell (Idina Menzel) who flees the palace after exposing her magic powers for creating ice and snow. It’s best you know little about this film when you see it except that it is highly entertaining, filled with fun, heartfelt characters, wonderful songs, fantastic animation and important life lessons for every age. See: movie trailer

Frozen is already one of my favourite movies and has so many layers of value that I’ll definitely be writing more about it in future blog posts. As a teaser, I believe Frozen is actually an X-Men superhero movie disguised as an animated musical with self-help empowerment tips embedded into the song lyrics!

Frozen won Best Animated Feature Film and for Best Original Song “Let It Go” at the Oscars. The other big winner is Ellen DeGeneres for bringing so much fun and entertainment to the Oscars show. Sometimes you just need to have fun and feel good! So thank you Ellen and any film that entertains your spirit!

What did you think of these memorable moments on the 86th Academy Awards?

Sunday, March 02, 2014

I am currently up north hanging out with my buddies at the same cottage I wrote about in the past (see Tip#584, Tip#684). It’s another chance to catch up in person as we five friends all live in different parts of Ontario. Most of them I’ve known for 10 years and one for over 20! We’ve gotten to know each other’s personality quirks over time and it just feels good to hang out with guys that ultimately respect each other’s differences and have a great time!

We’ve done camping, cave-diving (spelunking) and cleared forestland together. We’ve even created personal growth programs where we met every two weeks and took turns facilitating group exercises to help us break through issues and blocks. Our girlfriends and wives at the time would join us and it would be very empowering. Looking back we’ve really been on a great adventure full of team spirit!

The A-Team (2010)

The action film, The A-Team, is based on the television series of the same name about a Special Forces team wrongfully imprisoned and later escape to clear their names. Led by “Hannibal” Smith (Liam Neeson) and his keen strategic planning skills, the three other soldiers each have talents and strengths that demonstrate resourcefulness and strong teamwork. These characters include “Faceman” Peck (Bradley Cooper), BA Baracus (Quinton Jackson) and “Howling Mad” Murdock (Sharlto Copley. They bring a lot of fun to the witty script and explosive cartoon-like action sequences.
See: movie trailer

Though they each have their quirks there is a genuine comradeship and trust amongst them all. Each would do anything to help the other. This reminded me of my pals here at the cottage. Maybe we’ll watch The A-Team movie together!

Celebrate your good friends and team spirit today whether it's in your life or workplace!

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About Me

Emmanuel Lopez aka Motivatorman is a Motivational Speaker and an award-winning Blogger & Illustrator working with organizations to inspire RESILIENCE & INDESTRUCTIBLE OPTIMISM for DEPRESSION, MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS through the power of movies. He has been featured in The NEW YORK TIMES, The WASHINGTON POST and The GLOBE & MAIL.
Speaker Clients: TD Canada Trust, Investors Group, The Art Institute of Boston and Royal Ontario Museum.
For info on speaker bookings see: www.motivatorman.com